710 - Hard use?

L

L2bravo

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Jun 14, 2013
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I have a 710, and use it normally. It is an awesome blade! It's smooth, quick, great lines, great grinds. However, it begs the question, would this suffice as a hard use folder? How much "abuse" as some might call it, will this knife take? Just curious, not that I have huge plans. Thanks guys.
 
I wouldn't pry with the tip, but otherwise it's quite a sturdy folder.
 
Yeah, I never really understood the term hard use folder. If you use the knife for it's intended purpose it will last a lifetime.
 
the 710 is a solid knife !!!
my main edc for years and it never failed .... it is stronger than it looks
 
If you don't mind my asking, what are you cutting that you consider 'Hard Use" or your definition of hard use?

I only ask because we all probably have our own idea of what that means. It's very subjective. Not only the materials being cut but the frequency of use, environment ie: work and what type of work, in the woods or at sea? All are factors in trying to determine if the usage could be considered hard use for a pocket knife.

I've owned and used a 710 with D2 steel for years and was actually surprised at it's strength overall considering how light and slim it is. But what I consider hard use might be light EDC for some and vise versa if you know what I mean.

So, If you wouldn't might could you please be more specific as to what you mean and I'll do my best to offer an opinion based on my personal experience and usage.
 
I don't by any means, mean that I'm some A-hole that likes to tear stuff up, and whine about how crappy xyz brand is. I am a fireman, and use a knife quite a bit. I also own a shop, and cut a lot of boxed as well. These are triple thick stuff, that eats a sharp edge to bits. I also am out in the outdoors a lot. I actually use a knife a good bit. I NEVER use a knife to pry. That's pretty smart, if you don't like your tip.

I guess in the end, I was pretty much curious as to how strong the knife was, and how it holds up. Holds up, as in more than somebody who's "hard use", is opening envelopes. Thanks guys, it sounds as if they are pretty solid.
 
I own five 710 models. There are no doubts in my mind as to how strong this knife is. Combine the Axis lock with thick full liners, then add the current clip point D2 blade sharpened to 30 degrees. Never mind the nonsense of using the tip to pry, that's not what it's made for. I may not be Daniel Boone, my line of work's in physical therapy; but my wife and I do a lot of car camping and I have never had a failure working normal chores like slicing meat, opening packaging, cutting rope, and at least once trimming a loose radiator hose. There are worse knife you could own.
 
Like others have mentioned, I don't know exactly how to define "hard use" but this one was a great work knife. Never pry'd anything but cut everything from Qwikcrete bags, fiberglass insulation, wire insulation, wood, foam board, zip ties and pallet strapping to name a few.

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Paul
 
Based on the usage that you've described I'll offer this.

Like I said I've been surprised by how well the 710 in D2 (Had 3 over the years) has held up as far as my usage. Ounce for ounce, considering it's light weight and slim profile I think it's an extremely well made, strong, reliable knife, that also offers good blade size. It is far stronger then it's appearance and feel would suggest. I have no question that the 710 will perform well under heavy usage, the strength is there.

However, having said the above, Although the 710 can handle hard use it would not be my first choice for what I would personally consider a "dedicated" hard use folder. Not because of personal experience which has been very positive or some inherent lack of strength but rather other models that are available that offer greater strength overall and are specifically designed to handle harder use on a regular basis.

If your looking for a dedicated hard use folder where overall strength is the primary need I would suggest from the current BM line up the Contego, Adamas, or Rift. These Black Class knives were designed with regular harder use in mind. I want to stress this takes nothing away from the 710. If it were the only knife I owned I'd feel very well equipped for whatever my cutting needs were..

The 710 is a great knife, a classic, one of the all time greats and for good reason. I think everyone should own at least one and it's no slouch when it comes to strength or hard use. I'd only suggest that if you are looking for a knife that is specifically designed as a harder use folder where shear strength is your primary concern you consider some of the other BM models I've mentioned. Then again, if the 710 is your knife of choice, you still can't go wrong in any way,it won't let you down!

Hope this helps and best of luck!
 
Thanks guys. I appreciate the input. I had an Adamas, but geez that thing was just huge. I also own a few ZT's, and Enduras. I thinkthey are all pretty serious knives. I like a folder like the ZT 0350, but the 710 is just so sexy. It does everything well. From carrying, to smoothness, slicing, lockup, and just the balance of the knife. I am also thinking about picking up a Contego. It seems to split the difference in the Adamas, and the 710. Thanks again.
 
While most knives of comparable materials and manufacture could probably hand most of the tests in that Benchmade video, I'm now convinced I need to get a 710.
 
I like mine more and more. I also like the fact that they are infinitley repairable/rebuildable. Backed b the fact that BM rocks as a company. I may buy me some spares as time allows. I also like the slight recurve. It's a cutting machine.
 
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